The only sun in Huayu

"I think we should forget about it," Shen Shandeng said without much hesitation, refusing the offer.

"Really, there's absolutely no chance?" Da Mimi sat next to Shen Shandeng on the sofa, clearly unwilling to give up. "I think I could try to experience that kind of complex emotion too."

Shen Shandeng said, "Your image isn't good. Movies tend to amplify personal traits. If you don't act well, you'll get criticized."

Seeing Yang Mi's slightly drooping lips, Shen Shandeng changed to a more tactful way of saying it: "You have star quality, you were born to be a star."

“Stand there, and the light shines on you. But what Jiao Jiao in ‘No Man’s Land’ needs is not starlight, but the kind of resilience that comes from being crushed by life and struggling to survive in the dust, or even the ruthlessness in despair.”

"Your image is too striking; it's not appropriate."

These young actresses, born in the 85s and dubbed "Poets of the Tang Dynasty," are all celebrities, and their images are not suitable for acting.

In traditional opera, the female lead is usually a young female lead (小花旦), but in the film, she is positioned as a mature and elegant female lead (大青衣).

Da Mimi naturally understood and muttered, "Is it Shuangzi?"

“Your map of Yan is way too long,” Shen Shandeng said speechlessly. “It’s not her either. This role might require a public casting call, and it’s not certain who it will be.”

Shuangzi didn't give up after the audition; she sent him many text messages, wanting to try again.

Shen Shandeng didn't give him another chance; some opportunities only come once.

"Open casting call?" Yang Mi asked. "What about Fan Bingbing? She's a good fit, right? Her acting is good, and she has that kind of 'spirit'."

Shen Shandeng smiled and said, "She might not be so sure."

But to Da Mimi, this "not necessarily" was almost equivalent to "possibly".

The thought of Fan Bingbing possibly participating in the film reignited her competitive spirit.

If Fan Bingbing can act, why can't I?
She muttered to herself, but dared not show it too much on her face, deciding that she still needed to work things out a little more.

Shen Shandeng could easily see through her little scheme, but he didn't point it out.

In his mind, the female lead "Jiaojiao" in "No Man's Land" must be able to accurately portray the despair of being imprisoned, the shrewdness and calculation when trying to survive, and the complex state of mind of feeling as if she had been transported to another world and unable to distinguish between joy and sorrow after being finally rescued.

This requires extremely high acting skills and a foundation that fits the character's temperament.

Yang Mi is definitely not within this consideration.

8 month 13 day.

Ma Youde, holding the message he had just received, reported to Shen Shandeng: "Boss, the Hundred Flowers Awards organizing committee held a press conference in Beijing today, and the nomination list was officially announced."

"Our film, 'The Eunuch,' has been nominated for almost all the major awards, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress."

"Moreover, we are in a commanding lead in the current online voting. The organizing committee has also hinted that we will definitely win something this time, and it will be a big prize."

Shen Shandeng glanced at the photos and learned that the 17th China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival was scheduled to be held in Dalian from September 10th to 13th.

Which film festival only holds one year apart? The Huabiao, Hundred Flowers, and Golden Rooster festivals can easily be differentiated and positioned.

Shen Shandeng inwardly complained, but didn't show it on his face. He nodded and said, "Okay, I understand. I'll arrange the itinerary and attend in person."

If there's a prize to be won, of course I'll go.

Almost at the same time.

The announcement by the production team of "No Man's Land" to publicly solicit female leads has caused a huge stir in the industry.

Shen Shandeng's company does not sign any artists; the film casting process is always open to the entire industry.

Moreover, compared to the current mainstream trend of using Hong Kong and Taiwan productions, both of Shen Shandeng's dramas feature local casts.

This means that the opportunity is fair to everyone, but it also means that the competition will be unprecedentedly fierce.

For a time, various forces were eager to make their move.

Inside a private room of a high-end restaurant.

Sisters Li Bingbing and Li Xue are having a drink to celebrate the multiple nominations for the Hundred Flowers Awards for their film "The Knot".

"Sister, maybe we can really win an award this time," Li Xue said.

Li Bingbing smiled and complained, "The Knot is good, but I heard that Zhou Xun is the lead actress in The Message?" Li Xue comforted her, "Sister, the company is in a critical period of preparing for its IPO. We also have shares, and some arrangements are ultimately for the greater good and for us to make money."

“I understand the logic,” Li Bingbing said, taking a sip of her drink. “It’s just that I feel a little awkward.”

“The film hasn’t even started shooting yet. When the script is revised, your role might not be less than hers. There’s something to compete for.” Li Xue lowered her voice and said, “But now, with this ‘No Man’s Land’, Shen Shandeng’s new film, they’re holding open casting for the female lead. Shouldn’t we try to get it?”

"From what I've heard, the roles for this film haven't been finalized yet, and it's not just a publicity stunt."

“Shen Shandeng’s production team is very disciplined. Since they have announced the casting call publicly, it is probably true.”

Li Bingbing frowned and said, "I heard that there seems to be some unpleasantness between the company and Shen Shandeng regarding the sequel to 'Lost in Thailand'?"

Li Xue waved her hand: "That's a company matter, it has nothing to do with you personally, sister. The company also has investments in the 'Supervisor' series."

"It's just that the box office of 'Lost in Thailand' was too shocking, 3.5 million! The company was envious and wanted to get a share of the pie, but Shen Shandeng's side wouldn't budge, so things were a bit tense. But that didn't stop you from trying to get the role."

Li Bingbing hesitated for a moment: "But I heard that 'No Man's Land' isn't a commercial blockbuster, it's more of an art film?"

“Precisely because it’s not a purely commercial film, we should fight for it even more!” Li Xue advised. “Even if it fails at the box office, the value of being able to establish a relationship and cooperation with Shen Shandeng far exceeds that of a film itself.”

“Wu Jing, Fan Bingbing, which of these people didn’t get involved with Shen Shandeng and reap huge rewards?”

Li Xue knew how to convince her sister: "How difficult was it for Fan Bingbing back then? She turned her life around with 'The Eunuch,' and now she runs her own studio and is having an affair with Shen Shandeng. The company can't do anything about her."

"We can't only have one option. The more paths we have, the more say we have. We must win over Shen Shandeng."

Li Bingbing saw the ambition gleaming in her younger sister's eyes and understood.

The two sisters thought the same thing.

the other side.

Zhou Xun dialed Chen Kun's number.

"Kun'er, congratulations! Both 'The Ballad of Yunshui' and 'The Eunuch' have been nominated for Best Actor at the Hundred Flowers Awards!"

Zhou Xun's voice was tinged with laughter as she asked after exchanging pleasantries, "Hey, I heard that director Shen Shandeng's 'No Man's Land' is holding a public audition for the female lead?"

Chen Kun laughed on the other end of the phone, "You're really well-informed."

Zhou Xun said, "In the movie 'The Equation of Love and Death,' which I filmed before, Li Mi was stubborn, fragile, and yet she was clinging to life. I think I can better understand women like 'Jiao Jiao' who are on the verge of collapse. Could you pass on a message for me?"

Chen Kun joked, "You've figured out this approach very well; you've thoroughly researched the roles you play."

Zhou Xun sighed, her tone somewhat complicated: "I also came from Rongxinda, so we have some family ties. I asked around with Mimi. Please help me out."

Chen Kun sighed, "Mimi's really something now. Okay, I'll mention it to Director Shen for you, but I can't guarantee it will work out."

Shanghai.

In a small apartment.

Wanxi, who had graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy a few years ago, listened to the news brought by her agent.

"The resume for 'No Man's Land' has been submitted." The agent hesitated before continuing.

Wan Xi was quite frank, saying while organizing the play script, "But the hope is slim, right? I know that someone as insignificant as me has nothing to do with a big director like Shen Shandeng. I'm just joining in the fun, doing my best and leaving the rest to fate."

She acted in stage plays for several years, also filmed movies, and released albums, but she never really became famous and had long been used to this kind of silence.

Compared to the roundabout methods, probing, or lack of hope of others, one person was much more direct.

Fan Bingbing's text message was sent to Shen Shandeng's private mobile phone.

“Master, I think I’m particularly suited to be the female lead in ‘No Man’s Land’. It’s hard to explain just by looking at the information. How about we meet at the hotel tonight? I’ve prepared the props.”

Upon receiving the short message, Shen Shandeng faced a bitter situation.

He just wanted to make a simple movie, why make things so difficult!

As soon as the casting call for "No Man's Land" was announced, Shen Shandeng was bombarded with phone calls and text messages from all sides.

I'm tired! (End of Chapter)